Cajun culture flows throughout the bayou area

Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes are each filled with opportunities to mingle with the locals while learning about their unique history and customs.

Jacob BatteStaff Writer

Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes are each filled with opportunities to mingle with the locals while learning about their unique history and customs. Whether it's floating through the bayou looking for alligators, partying at a local festival or playing the washboard in a Cajun jam band, locals and tourists alike have the opportunity to experience the Cajun environment in a number of ways.

Lafourche

Jean Lafitte National Park and PreserveThe federal center, 314 St. Mary St., Thibodaux, has information about wetlands and Acadian culture. On Mondays, you can attend a Cajun Jam Band performance and even join in. Information: 448-1375 or www.nps.gov/jela/wetlands-acadian-cultural-center.htm.

French Food FestivalHeld at the Larose Civic Center in October, this festival features some of the best food the region has to offer. The multi-day event includes live music. Some local officials call it the best party in the parish. Information: www.bayoucivicclub.org.

Alzina's KitchenTucked away in Galliano in a former welding shop, Alzina's Kitchen, 117 E. 132 St., erases the boundaries between dining room and kitchen. It's open by reservation only, but you can always count on Alzina to cook up generous portions of Cajun cuisine. Information: 632-7200.

Airboat Tours by Arthur MatherneThese swamp tours take adventurers via airboats into the swamps surrounding Lac Des Allemand. For a little extra money, you can also take part in an alligator hunting trip. It's at 4262 U.S. 90 E, Des Allemands. Information: www.airboattours.com or 1-800-975-9345.

Terrebonne

Jolly Inn Dance HallThis restaurant and bar, 1507 Barrow St., Houma, is the lone remaining Cajun dance hall in the area. On Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays locals come out to dance and play instruments in a family friendly environment. Information: 872-6114 or www.thejollyinn.com.

Rougarou FestivalThis October festival is a day-long affair that takes place in downtown Houma. Based on a fairy tale about the Cajun boogeyman, it includes live music and “zombies” dancing to Michael Jackson's “Thriller.” Information: rougaroufest.org.

Voice of the WetlandsThe annual three-day festival is part entertainment, part education. There is plenty of food and artwork for sale and music and exhibits designed to educate visitors on the loss of the wetlands. The Voice of the Wetlands, held in October, claims to be the only restoration organization comprised of members who were born, raised and continue to live in the communities created from Louisiana's wetlands. Information: www.voiceofthewetlands.org.

Terrebonne Sportsmen's League Fishing RodeoFor 65 years, this rodeo draws fishermen from across the state and elsewhere. It offers a little bit of everything for south Louisiana anglers. It has offshore, shoreline, freshwater, bluewater, tag-and-release, scuba and fly-fishing divisions and is considered the largest fishing rodeo in Terrebonne Parish. Information: 601-4110 or 851-4537.

Munson's Swamp ToursEven Terrebonne locals take part in Munson's World Famous Swamp Tours. Each time, there's something new to see or learn. The tour guide speaks in French and Cajun slang and explains the complex Cajun history to attendees. It's at 979 Bull Run Road, Schriever. Information: www.munsonswamptours.com or 851-3569.

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